A schoolboy born with three kidneys only discovered his unusual condition after complaining of tummy ache.
Alfie Hooton, nine, started feeling unwell in early December 2022, and was diagnosed with a water infection. But the cause of this infection was stranger than his parents, Michelle and Mike, could ever have believed.
Mike, 46, said: "The GP listened to our description of Alfie's pain and straight away he knew what might be going on. Within 10 days we were in Alder Hey having further tests, blood tests and ultrasound scans, and it was the week before Christmas that we had our first knowledge that something was wrong."
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Alfie was found to have a duplex kidney - a double kidney on one side - which means the area that collects urine has split into two, resulting in reduced kidney function and frequent water infections.
He underwent an endoscopy operation on December 29, which allowed doctors to assess the extent of the damage done to his kidneys while also clearing out blockages in his urinary tract.
Mike said: "It all happened really fast. We got a call on the 28th saying we need Alfie to come in tomorrow. So he went in on the 29th not knowing exactly what would happen.
"It was really painful for his afterwards. He did have to spend a week or two in bed with a catheter coming out of his tummy. But the surgery was successful and he went for further tests at the end of January to check the function of his bladder and kidneys."
It was determined that Alfie had lost 72% function in one kidney. The St Michael's Catholic Primary School pupil is currently awaiting another appointment in three months time to monitor his condition.
Mike said: "Long term, he's going to remain a regular visitor to Alder Hey, at least until early adulthood. His kidneys at the moment are normal. Right now he can live a normal life."
To say thank you to the Alder Hey doctors who helped him, Alfie, who lives in Maghull, is preparing to take part in Oli's Safari Walk at Knowsley Safari Park in Prescot next month. The annual event, which will take place on May 14, will see more than 100 young Alder Hey patients walk 3km to raise money for the hospital.
Alfie has already raised more than £1,800 so far.
Mike said: "While he was in Alder Hey he got to see some of the things they do for their kids to make their lives easier. They employ musicians to go round the wards and play music to the kids; there's lots of toys and games and activities for the kids to get involved with.
"When he found out there was a charity walk he thought it was a fun thing to do to help the other kids at Alder Hey, because he appreciated the way he was looked after and wanted to put himself out there. It was also a good distraction for him to focus on something positive. He still loved the hospital, and even though it's associated with a time he was really sick, he still felt comfortable and safe at Alder Hey, so he wanted to help the charity."
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